Rate auto-fills — adjust below if needed
ft²
Total area to be cleaned
Enter area (10–100,000 ft²)
$
Adjust based on your local market
Enter rate per ft²
$
Flat fee for travel, setup, chemicals
Estimated Job Price
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How to Price Pressure Washing Jobs
Most pressure washing contractors price by the square foot, with rates varying by surface type, condition, and local market. Minimum job charges typically apply ($75–$150), and difficult conditions like heavy mold, rust, or oil stains justify higher rates.
Pricing Formula
Base Price = Area (ft²) × Rate ($/ft²) × Difficulty Multiplier
Total = Base Price + Setup / Travel Fee
Always set a minimum charge. A 200 ft² patio at $0.15/ft² is only $30 — but minimum charges ensure you cover equipment setup, travel, and chemical costs on small jobs.
💡 Contractor tip: Quote a range (e.g. $300–$400) rather than a fixed price before seeing the job. Actual condition often differs from what the customer describes. Add 20% for houses with significant height or ladder work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical residential pressure washing costs $100–$500 for most jobs. A standard 2-car driveway (400–600 ft²) costs $80–$150. A full house exterior (1,500–2,500 ft²) costs $150–$400. Roof soft washing typically costs $250–$600 depending on size and condition. These are national averages — prices vary significantly by region.
A standard 2-car driveway takes 30–60 minutes. A house exterior takes 2–4 hours. A full property (driveway + house + deck) typically takes 4–6 hours for a crew of two. Roofs take longer due to soft-wash dwell times. Plan for setup and teardown time of 30–45 minutes on top of cleaning time.
Pressure washing uses high-pressure water (1,500–3,000 PSI) to blast away dirt and grime. Soft washing uses low pressure (100–500 PSI) with chemical solutions (bleach, surfactants) to kill mold, algae, and bacteria at the source. Soft washing is safer for roofs, painted surfaces, and wood. Most professionals use a combination of both methods.
Startup costs are relatively low: a quality gas pressure washer ($600–$2,000), surface cleaner attachment ($100–$300), chemicals ($50–$150/month), insurance ($1,200–$2,400/year), and basic marketing. Many successful operators start part-time and build a client base through door-hangers, Nextdoor, and Google Business Profile before going full-time.
Exterior walls: every 1–2 years (more often in humid or coastal climates). Driveways and decks: every 1–2 years. Gutters: annually. Regular washing prevents permanent staining, wood rot, and costly repairs — making it a genuinely cost-effective maintenance activity. Homes near trees, in high-pollen areas, or near salt air may need more frequent cleaning.
Homeowner washers (1,500–2,000 PSI) handle light tasks well. Professional equipment (3,000–4,000 PSI hot water) completes jobs 3–5× faster. DIY risks: too much pressure can damage siding or mortar; algae and mold require soft-wash chemicals with dwell time — not just pressure. For two-story homes, roofs, and delicate cladding, professional soft washing is recommended.
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